top of page

THURSDAY JULY 27, 3:15PM 
PROGRAM 38

SHORTLIST
HAM.jpg
Ham
USA / Animation / 8 minutes
​

Director/Writer: Rudy Martinez

Producer: Heather B. Henson, Alex U. Griffin, Jessica Simon

Cast: Dave Carter, Zehra Fazal, Charlie Faith

The year is 1961 and Ham, a chimpanzee, has been chosen to represent earth as the first ape in space, but a malfunction aboard his ship threatens his return home. Based on true events.

Piano Man.JPG
Piano Man
USA / Drama / 23 minutes
​

Director/Writer: Jay Zaretsky

Producer: Jay Zaretsky

Cast: Paddy Wilkins, Damian Washington, Jay Zaretsky, George Cantero

Having been struck with grief and loss, a legendary Jazz piano player retreats into an austere existence where he spends his days making music for his sick father and tuning the pianos of those who don’t truly appreciate the instrument. On this one day, Piano Man encounters Rosie, a saxophonist he used to play with back in the day. Convinced Piano Man was dead, Rosie persuades him to return to the stage one more time.

Payasam and Other Careful Processes.jpg
Payasam and Other Careful Processes
USA / Comedy / 11 minutes
​

Director/Writer: Akshay Ravi

Producer: Alyssa Callahan, Rohan Palla, Matthew Martinez

Cast: Suraj Partha, Rishi Mehta, Usha Ravi

When he brings a girlfriend who doesn’t match his parents’ expectations to a family holiday, Sidharth and his family are forced to reckon with their conflicting values.

They Grow Up So Fast.jpg
They Grow Up So Fast
USA / Comedy / 10 minutes
​

Director/Writer: John F. Beach

Producer: Martin Spanjers

Cast: John F. Beach, Emily Althaus, Martin Spanjers

When Brian meets Amy after a night out on the town, things move a lot faster than he'd anticipated.

Stay_edited.jpg
Stay
USA / Drama / 17 minutes
​

Director/Writer: Annie Rhodes Kane

Producer: Ryan Mekenian, Sabatino Ciatti Jr.

Cast: Andrew Miller, Morgan Young, Reginald James

A veteran struggles with PTSD after losing his service dog.

Toy Phone_edited.jpg
Toy Phone
USA / Drama / 15 minutes
​

Director: Gabe Braden

Writer: Lauren Meyering, Jack Levis, Gabe Braden

Producer: Elizabeth Murphy, Karen Pittman

Cast: Karen Pittman, Devin Looc

When her young son starts "speaking" to his recently deceased father on a toy phone, a mother is forced to confront the loss she never quite dealt with.

bottom of page